The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has reminded all private companies, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) of government, and other employers of labour within the FCT to file their employee annual tax returns for 2024 before the statutory deadline of January 31, 2025.
This directive complies with Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and the PAYE Regulations, which require employers to submit detailed annual returns of all emoluments paid to employees and total taxes remitted during the preceding year.
Legal Mandate and Compliance
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement for 2025, the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, emphasized the importance of adherence to the law, warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in penalties and sanctions.
“The filing of employee annual returns is not optional. It is a mandatory provision of the law, and the FCT-IRS will not hesitate to impose penalties on any defaulters,” Ango stated.
Call for Voluntary Compliance
In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Mustapha Sumaila, the FCT-IRS highlighted voluntary compliance as the best approach. Employers, including private organizations, MDAs, government-owned enterprises, and sole proprietorships, were urged to prioritize filing their returns.
Ango noted that timely compliance not only avoids sanctions but also contributes significantly to the development of the FCT. He applauded the ongoing transformative efforts of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, towards making the capital city more modern and efficient.
“Complying with tax obligations is about more than avoiding penalties; it’s about playing an active role in supporting the Honourable Minister’s vision of making the FCT a truly modern city,” he added.
Deadline and Enforcement
Employers are urged to use the prescribed forms provided by the FCT-IRS and submit their returns promptly to avoid disruptions. The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the January 31, 2025 deadline, ensuring accountability and transparency in tax administration.
With this reminder, the FCT-IRS calls on all stakeholders to prioritize their legal obligations, reinforcing the collective drive toward a more developed and sustainable Federal Capital Territory.
